Micromeria fruticosa, also known as white savory, white zuta, or Palestinan energy tea, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is endemic to the Mediterranean region, especially in Turkey, Lebanon, and Palestine. The plant has a peppermint-like smell and small white flowers that bloom in summer. It has been used for centuries as a spice, a flavoring agent, an herbal tea, and folk medicine for various ailments.
 History of the Plant of Micromeria
The genus Micromeria comprises 14 species and 22 taxa in the flora of Turkey, 12 of which are endemic. Micromeria fruticosa has four subspecies: spp. giresunica, spp. brachycalyx, spp. serpyllifolia, and spp. barbata. Subsp. serpyllifolia is grown naturally in Northeast Anatolia and is used as an herbal tea with names such as "tas nanesi." Subsp. brachycalyx grows naturally in South Anatolia.
In Lebanon, Micromeria fruticosa is known as "zoufa" and is used as a condiment and a digestive aid. In Palestine, it is known as "zuta levana" or "white zuta" and is used as a tea and a remedy for colds, headaches, wounds, and skin infections.
Chemical Composition of the Oil
This  essential oil of Micromeria fruticosa is extracted from the aerial parts of the plant by steam distillation. The oil has a high concentration of monoterpene essential oil known as pulegone, as well as isomenthol, which are responsible for its minty aroma and flavor.
 The oil also contains other compounds such as β-caryophyllene, isomenthone, piperitenone oxide, p-mentha-3-en-8-ol, trans-anethole, fenchone, and sylvestrene.
The chemical composition of the oil may vary depending on the subspecies, the geographical origin, the harvesting season, and the extraction method of the plant. For example, the oil of subsp. serpyllifolia from Erzurum has a higher percentage of pulegone (81.77%) than the oil of subsp. brachycalyx from Adana (67.13%). The oil of subsp. brachycalyx, however, has a higher percentage of trans-anethole (93.69%) than the oil of subsp. serpyllifolia (0.02%)¹. The oil of the plant collected in July (full flowering stage) has a higher yield and a higher percentage of pulegone than the oil of the plant collected in October⁶.
## Uses of the Oil
The essential oil of Micromeria fruticosa has various uses in different fields. Some of the main uses are:
- **Culinary**: The oil can be used as a spice and a flavoring agent for food and beverages. It can enhance the taste and aroma of dishes such as salads, soups, sauces, bread, cheese, and desserts. It can also be used to make herbal teas that have a refreshing and energizing effect.
- **Medicinal**: The oil has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for various health problems, such as digestive disorders, respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, headaches, wounds, and skin infections. The oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help fight against pathogens, free radicals, inflammation, and pain. The oil can also stimulate the immune system and the nervous system and improve the mood and the cognitive function.
- **Cosmetic**: The oil can be used as a fragrance and a skin care product for personal and household use. It can provide a pleasant and refreshing scent for perfumes, soaps, shampoos, lotions, and candles. It can also nourish and protect the skin from infections, aging, and sun damage.
Conclusion
Micromeria fruticosa essential oil is a valuable natural product that has a long history and a wide range of applications. It is derived from a plant that is endemic to the Mediterranean region and has a minty smell and flavor. The oil has a complex chemical composition that varies depending on several factors. The oil has multiple uses in the culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic fields due to its beneficial properties and effects. Micromeria fruticosa essential oil is a versatile and potent oil that can enhance the quality of life and well-being .